#18 JMU Travels to Old Dominion for Saturday Showdown

James Madison Dukes (8-0, 0-0 SBC) vs. Old Dominion Monarchs (3-5, 0-0 SBC)

Dec. 9, 2023 - 7 p.m.
Norfolk, Va. – Chartway Arena

Game Links
Live Stats · ESPN+ · Audio Broadcast
JMU Game Notes
JMUSports.com · @JMUMBasketball · #GoDukes

JMU TRAVELS TO OLD DOMINION

The #18 James Madison Dukes hit the road on Saturday, December 9, for a showdown against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Chartway Arena in Norfolk, Va. Tip-off between the Dukes and Monarchs is set for 7 p.m.
In a series dating back to 1972, ODU leads JMU 58-30. However, the Dukes have taken the last four contests, the last a 76-67 win over the Monarchs on Feb. 16.
Saturday's contest will serve as a non-conference affair, with the teams set to face twice this season in conference play.
All three games will serve as a part of the TowneBank Royal Rivalry Challenge, where JMU holds a 4.5-2.5 lead as of Dec. 8.

SCORING SURGE ON THE ROAD

JMU's dynamic offense, averaging a nation-leading 95.4 points per game, looks to maintain its impressive form on the road.
T.J. Bickerstaff has been an incredibly consistent impact player. Over the past two games, he has scored 28 points with 20 rebounds and nine assists. Against Keystone, he shot an efficient 85% (6-7). In wins against Buffalo and Keystone, Bickerstaff shot 15-of-22 from the field.
Two players are shooting better than 45 percent from behind the arc this season. Noah Freidel leads JMU at 45.8 percent (22-of-48), while Michael Green III is at 45.5 percent (20-of-44).
In just 18 minutes of play vs. Keystone, Green III led all players in scoring, notching a JMU career-high 21 points on 72.7% shooting from the field, including 4-of-7 from 3-point land. In the past two games, he has scored 35 points to go with nine assists and just one turnover, while shooting 62% (13-21) overall.
Through eight games, four Dukes are averaging double-figure points: Terrence Edwards Jr. (18.5), T.J. Bickerstaff (16), Michael Green III (12), and Noah Freidel (11.8). Julien Wooden, who averages 9.8 points per game, is right behind them.

SCOUTING THE MONARCHS

Head Coach Jeff Jones enters his 32nd season of coaching, and 11th season in Norfolk. With 560 career wins, he ranks among the top 100 Division I coaches of all time.
On Wednesday, ODU fell 84-79 to William & Mary, who scorched the net with 15 three-pointers.
Chaunce Jenkins leads all Monarchs in scoring (16.4 ppg) and assists (2.9 per game), while Tyrone Williams leads ODU in rebounds per game (6.7).
Vasean Allette delivered a standout performance, scoring a season-high 30 points for ODU. Despite a late push led by Allette's eight straight points, William & Mary secured the win with crucial free throws and a jumper.

DEFENSIVE FOCUS

Coach Mark Byington's emphasis on strong defensive starts will be put to the test in the hostile environment of Chartway Arena. The Dukes' ability to set the tone early and maintain defensive consistency will be crucial against the Monarchs.

WHAT'S AT STAKE

With a win, JMU would move to 9-0 on the season, setting a new record for best start in program history. As of Dec. 7, the Dukes are tied with the 1975-76 and 1981-82 squads which both started 8-0.
The Dukes made it through November unscathed (7-0), looking to continue with similar success in the new month of December. So far, they are 1-0 with a win over Keystone this week. In addition to the ODU game, they have four more games this month.
Don't miss the excitement as the James Madison Dukes aim to conquer the Monarchs at Chartway Arena in Norfolk. Tune in on ESPN+ for live coverage, follow @JMUMBasketball on Twitter for updates, and catch radio commentary with Dave Riggert on 92.1 FM / 550 AM and the Varsity Network App.

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